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A Cambridge University law student has filed a lawsuit against the prestigious institution, claiming disability discrimination after failing his PhD and delaying his career as a barrister.
Jacob Meagher, the student at the heart of the controversy, alleges that Cambridge’s failure to accommodate his disabilities during the completion of his 100,000-word doctoral thesis and subsequent oral examination (“viva voce”) left him at a significant disadvantage. Now, he’s seeking substantial damages for what he says are years of setbacks and lost earnings.
Mr. Meagher’s viva voce examination, where he was questioned by two examiners about his thesis, reportedly caused “significant damage” to his health.
The dispute stems from Mr. Meagher’s assertion that he was subjected to a “number of detriments,” including being assigned a single supervisor who was not formally affiliated with the Law Faculty and having no advisor to guide him through the lengthy and complex academic process. These issues, he claims, directly impacted his ability to complete his thesis to the required standard.
Mr. Meagher’s viva voce examination, where he was questioned by two examiners about his thesis, reportedly caused “significant damage” to his health. After failing the exam in April 2023, he was given the option to revise and resubmit his thesis, but the fallout had already begun. He missed an opportunity to secure a tenancy at a specific set of barrister chambers, resulting in what he described as “substantial financial losses.”
Adding to the controversy is the role of the university’s Disability Resource Centre. While the Centre recommended specific adjustments for Mr. Meagher’s viva, such as allowing breaks and providing clear, specific questions, the examiners were allegedly not provided with the full support document outlining these accommodations.
Mr. Meagher initially filed his claim in March 2024, nearly a year after failing his viva. He also obtained a court injunction in July 2024, which prevented Cambridge from taking further action on his PhD until the conclusion of legal proceedings.
In a ruling earlier this month, Mr. Justice Constable denied Mr. Meagher permission to sue five individual Cambridge staff members but reinstated part of his breach of contract claims against the university.
The lawsuit has sparked debate about how elite institutions like Cambridge handle disability accommodations and student mental health. Mr. Meagher told reporters, “This case is not about specific adjustments; it’s about the conduct of an institution with a poor record on disability, dispute resolution, and mental health support. Cambridge should be leading the way, not falling behind.”
For now, Mr. Meagher’s academic future and the reputation of Cambridge University hang in the balance as this high-profile case unfolds. Whether his claims prompt changes at one of the world’s most renowned universities remains to be seen.
With information from The Guardian
